Montee Ball's season has come to an end.
The Denver Broncos placed the running back on season-ending injured reserve, the team announced Saturday.
Ball entered the season as the Broncos' No. 1 tailback after the team let Knowshon Moreno walk in the offseason. However, the 24-year-old has suffered an injury-riddled season after amassing 559 yards on 120 carries his rookie year.
Ball underwent an emergency appendectomy following Denver's first preseason game. After starting the first three regular-season games Ball suffered a groin injury in Week 5. Upon returning in Week 11, Ball re-aggravated the injury on just his fourth snap of the game.
In need of a roster spot for the return of linebacker Danny Trevathan, whom they activated from IR-recall, the Broncos placed Ball on IR along with safety Quinton Carter. The team also promoted tight end Dominique Jones from the practice squad -- Jacob Tamme (ribs) is questionable, and Julius Thomas is dealing with an ankle injury but is probable against the Chargers.
Ball will finish the season with 172 yards and a touchdown on 55 totes.
Denver's ground game has come to life in recent weeks thanks to the explosive play of C.J. Anderson. Since becoming the starter in Week 11, Anderson has rushed for 422 yards (105.5 yards per game) on 89 carries with four touchdowns.
The Broncos also hope to get shifty runner Ronnie Hillman (questionable, foot) back before the playoffs. The Anderson-Hillman duo has a chance to be explosive as the Broncosdrive to return to the Super Bowl.
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